Delta Air Lines has put bulldogs on its no-fly list, a move welcomed by animal advocates after a string of deaths involving the breed.
Of the 16 pets that died on Delta flights in 2010, six were bulldogs. The AJC in January reported on the sharp increase in animal incidents on Delta, noting that bulldogs are among those most affected by the challenges of flying.
Delta in February said it would no longer carry American, English and French bulldogs, based on its review of animal incidents last year.
Delta spokesman Anthony Black said the airline saw a pattern involving animals susceptible to respiratory problems. In some cases, those dogs died during flights where other dogs held in the same space arrived alive, he said.
Michael Markarian, chief operating officer of the Humane Society of the United States, called it a "sensible response" to problems among many many short-faced dogs and cats, including bulldogs, pugs and Persian cats. Such animals can have difficulty breathing, especially in cargo holds, he added.
"We're pleased that Delta is being attentive and responsive to the particular animal welfare concerns with bulldogs," Markarian said.
Other major carriers also have restrictions on carrying bulldogs and some other breeds, or simply do not carry pets in cargo holds at all. AirTran Airways and Southwest Airlines, for example, only accept pets that fit in under-seat carriers. American Airlines stopped carrying snub-nosed dogs and cats last November.
In hot weather, Delta also restricts a wide range of snub-nosed breeds -- including pit bulls, pugs and Persian cats -- from flying as checked baggage or cargo.
"The decision to transport animals ultimately comes down to the owner," Black said. "Our goal is also to continue to work to do a better job of communicating processes and procedures in preparing animals to travel."
U.S. Department of Transportation data shows that 122 dogs died on airlines from May 2005 to May 2010. Of those, 25 were English Bulldogs and six were French bulldogs.
One company has sought to offer an alternative for transporting pets -- including bulldogs. Pet Airways launched in 2009 to cater to pet transportation by air with Beechcraft 1900 turbo-props. The company has flights out of DeKalb Peachtree Airport to Baltimore and to Florida every other week with connections to several other cities.
"There's a consumer demand for traveling with pets in a safe and humane manner," Markarian said. "People want to make sure that their four-legged family members are safe and are cared for, and are not simply thrown in a cargo hold like your suitcase."
Shipping pets in cargo holds "really should only be a last resort, when absolutely necessary," Markarian said.
About the Author
